Hurricane Trudy Threatens Mexico’s Pacific Coast; Air Canada, WestJet Activate Flexible Ticketing

Hurricane Trudy is approaching Mexico’s Pacific coast, threatening popular coastal destinations with damaging winds, torrential rainfall and dangerous surf as authorities warn that the storm could intensify.

The hurricane weakened slightly on Friday (Oct. 16), but forecasters cautioned that it could regain strength as it moves toward the western Mexican states of Jalisco and Colima.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Centre (NHC), Trudy was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph), ranking as a Category 1, as of 6 a.m. Central Standard Time Saturday (Oct. 17).

At that time, the storm was located approximately 305 kilometres south-southeast of Manzanillo, moving northwest at 13 km/h.

The NHC expects Trudy to approach Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coastline on Saturday before passing near the coast at night into Sunday (Oct. 18).

Earlier forecasts indicated that the storm could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane after reaching Category 3 intensity.

Hurricane Warnings Issued Along Coast

Mexican authorities have issued hurricane warnings for the coastline stretching from Manzanillo northward to Cabo Corrientes, an area that includes coastal communities near the popular tourism destination of Puerto Vallarta.

A hurricane watch is also in effect from south of Manzanillo to Punta San Telmo.

Meanwhile, tropical storm warnings cover the coastline from south of Manzanillo to Zihuatanejo, as well as the area north of Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita.

Tropical storm watches extend farther north to San Blas and the Islas Marías.

The NHC warned that hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area, urging residents to complete preparations to protect lives and property.

Another Storm in Mexico

Trudy’s approach comes after weeks of severe weather along Mexico’s Pacific coast, where previous storms have caused flooding and disruption.

Farther northwest, Tropical Storm Simon continues to weaken offshore after bringing heavy rainfall to coastal communities earlier in the week when it was a hurricane.

With Trudy expected to remain a dangerous hurricane through the weekend, travellers with plans to visit Mexico’s Pacific coast are advised to monitor advisories and check with their airlines and hotels.

Air Canada, WestJet Activate Flexible Policies

Air Canada and WestJet have introduced flexible ticketing policies for travellers flying to and from Puerto Vallarta.

Air Canada has issued a travel advisory for Puerto Vallarta airport (PVR) covering Saturday (Oct. 17), allowing customers with affected flights to change their bookings without penalty, subject to availability.

Eligible passengers can make changes through Air Canada’s online booking management system.

Travellers who booked through Air Canada Vacations are advised to contact the tour operator directly at 1-800-296-3408.

The airline is also encouraging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Meanwhile, WestJet has issued its own Trudy advisory covering travel to and from Puerto Vallarta on Oct. 18 and 19.

The airline is offering flexible change and cancellation options for eligible travellers during that period.

Passengers with flight-only bookings made directly through WestJet can make a one-time change or cancellation through the airline’s Manage Trips portal.

Customers travelling on vacation packages booked through WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations or Vacances WestJet Québec are instructed to contact their respective vacation provider directly.

Travellers who booked through travel advisors, third-party booking platforms or other airlines should contact their original booking provider to discuss available options, the airline said.